Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Labrador Bay
Between Maidencombe and ShaldonOpenSee opening timesExplore along the top of the reserve and enjoy the fantastic views out to sea, keeping your eyes sharp for dolphins in the waves, while Cirl Buntings flit between bushes on shore.
About
This beautiful coastal reserve near Shaldon offers stunning views over Lyme Bay. We took on this piece of land to help secure the future of the Cirl Bunting, a rare bird whose population is almost entirely restricted to south Devon. Labrador Bay is also home to many other key species, including Peregrines, Buzzards and Yellowhammers. Out in the bay, dolphins and Basking Sharks swim, while butterflies and bees flit in the meadows and fields.
Labrador Bay is part of a working farm grazed by cattle in the summer and sheep in the winter. Habitats here include coastal cliff top, woodland, scrub and low-intensity arable and semi-improved grasslands.
The famous South West Coast Path loops through the reserve, offering plenty of chances to greet fellow walkers. Plus, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs in nearby Shaldon, Maidencombe, Stokenteignhead and Combeinteignhead for a refreshing post-walk drink.
At a glance
50 spaces. Owned by Teignbridge District Council, situated at the reserve entrance. No height restrictions. Bike racks (not covered).
No accessible facilities on-site. Nearest public toilets 1 mile (1.5 km) away at Maidencombe but only open in summer.
No baby changing facilities on-site. Nearest public toilets 1 mile (1.5 km) away at Maidencombe but only open in summer.
Steps on steeper slopes (approaching 35 degrees). Numerous gates and stiles (the reserve has cattle, sheep and ponies). Unsurfaced paths, which can be uneven and muddy. No seating.
Steps on steeper slopes (approaching 35 degrees). Numerous gates and stiles (the reserve has cattle, sheep and ponies). Unsurfaced paths, which can be uneven and muddy. No seating.
There are no toilets here. Nearest public toilets 1 mile (1.5 km) away at Maidencombe but only open in summer.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Assistance and other dogs welcome. Dogs are only allowed on public footpaths and bridleways. As this is a working farm with livestock, dogs must be kept under control at all times.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Labrador Bay
exe.estuary@rspb.org.uk Labrador Bay, Teignmouth Rd, Torquay, Torbay, TQ1 4TP 01392 833311